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Honouring trucking bravery in the flood crisis

13 January 2011

Australia’s peak trucking industry body, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), is looking to recognise acts of bravery by the country’s truck drivers during the devastating floods currently affecting Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

ATA Chairman, David Simon, said there are many stories of truck drivers going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of people trapped in the flood waters.

“Australians are always at their best in times of crisis. There will be many stories of tragedy and heroism from the floods, and the ATA and Continental Tyres have joined together to make sure the bravery of Australia’s truck drivers is suitably recognised.”

The ATA and Continental Tyres Australia are presenting the new award as part of this year’s National Trucking Industry Awards.

Mr Simon said the ATA was seeking stories such as the one of the John Kelly & Son Transport driver who helped rescue a motorist during the flash floods in Toowoomba on Monday (see attached image).

“The driver displayed remarkable bravery in driving his truck into the flood water to rescue a woman at the corner of James and Kitchener streets,” Mr Simon said.

“The footage of the driver and his truck is one of the iconic images of the flood crisis.

“Despite the attention, this driver doesn’t consider himself a hero. He told me he just drove the truck into the water and threw a strap to the car driver to secure around herself, in case the car was washed away.

“He believes he was just being sensible. He said he wasn’t going to do anything stupid. Of course, this is exactly what a hero would say.

“It’s these selfless actions and laconic modesty that make drivers like this one perfect candidates for the new trucking bravery award. I’m sure there are many more stories of drivers who have put their safety at risk to help people in need.

“I urge anyone who has witnessed truck drivers displaying bravery to share their stories with the ATA.”

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